Dear Friends,
Last Sunday we held our Annual Meeting. That morning my computer died and I tried to recover my remarks through memory. An increasingly flawed means for me. 😊 I neglected to recognize and thank several people whose terms of service to the parish in various formal capacities end in 2024.
First of all Samson Mamour, who sends his greetings and love from Eastern North Carolina where he is enjoying his new ministry at St. Thomas, Ahoskie and St. Thomas, Wilson.
Vestry members concluding their service - Joanne Robblee, Pat Gibson, Susan Mead, Matt Fogo, Patrick France.
Trustees concluding six year terms - Laurent Boetsch, Don Ellis, Woody Sadler.
Committee chairs concluding terms of service - Liz Moss, Invite Welcome Connect
Committee members concluding six years of service - Lu Dooley, Admin and Personnel, Carole Dent, Stewardship. Jane Brooke, Worship, Alex Brown and James Keane, Higher Education.
We are all grateful for all the time and talent you have rendered to the glory of God and the upbuilding of this parish.
I also neglected several Courtesy Resolutions. I will ask the Vestry to send greetings from Grace Lexington to Samson Mamour, former Rectors David Cox and Tom Crittenden, former interim James Hubbard, and former Priest in Charge Tom O'Dell.
This Sunday (10 days before Christmas) we hear John the Baptist speak. Frankly he sounds rude. Calling the crowds coming out to be baptized a brood of vipers! But then something remarkable happens. Instead of protesting his insults and turning their backs on John, the vipers ask what they can do to change.
There may be nothing more difficult for a child of Eve than to change their mind, or admit their need to change their actions. But these people are willing to at least ask. John also changes. He stops the name calling and offers some practical recommendations. It would seem there is hope through a mutual willingness to do better.
It can be easy to categorize some people as enemies, even vipers. We are pretty sure we know what bad things they are going to do. And before they do them, we act as if they are already done. But it ain't necessarily so. Sunday's Gospel shows us people change. The good news is those changes keep happening, in fact they increase as soon as Jesus appears.
John instructs the tax collectors to stop cheating and extorting. He instructs the soldiers to be satisfied with their wages. He instructs the wealthy to share out of their abundance with those in desperate need.
Paul, who famously changed his mind on the road to Damascus, goes farther. He tells us to rejoice. Always. Without condition. Because no matter what happens, the Lord is near. God is with you.
How about changing your mind. How about allowing yourself to see reasons for hope, causes for joy? How about making some small change that over time makes the world better, and you as well? Not because you have to, but because the Lord is near, and it would please you to please them?
How about looking around for something you can celebrate about the world, something you can rejoice in right now. The Lord is near, God's life and love are miraculously present, goodness abounds. Don't wait ten days. Believe it. Act on it. Always.
With Gratitude,
Tuck Bowerfind (he/him) Rector | Grace Episcopal Church
Blue Ridge Outdoor School - When entering the church driveway, please be aware that the children are in the churchyard in the morning from 8:45–9:00 a.m.and in the afternoon from approximately 2:50 p.m.–3:15 p.m. There may be a cone in the driveway to prevent cars from coming in to quickly; you may still park in the lot. Thank you!
Worship Services | Third Sunday of Advent | Sunday, December 15
Holy Eucharist Rt I | 8 a.m. | In-Person and on YouTube
Christianity and Culture | 9:15 a.m. | In-Person and Zoom
Harvey Markowitz on Adonai and the angel of the Lord
Upcoming Christianity and Culture Sessions
12/22: Sally Hansen on Incarnation
Holy Eucharist Rt II | 10:30 a.m. | In-Person and on YouTube
Women's Bible Study | Welles Room/Library | 3:30 p.m.
The Book of Esther
Morning Prayer | Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.
In-Person & Zoom
Lanford Mission Emergency Fund Christmas Appeal
In the words of Teresa of Avila, we are “the hands, feet, eyes, and body of Christ in our world.” As we approach Christmas and reflect on those words, the Christian Outreach Committee asks you to consider a Christmas donation to the Lanford Mission Emergency Fund.
Begun in this parish in 1984, the LMEF primarily assists residents of Rockbridge County who request emergency financial help with rent, utilities, and temporary emergency housing. Most requests come to Grace through RARA (Rockbridge Area Relief Association) which does the vetting to verify need. Grace continues to partner with RARA, Lexington Presbyterian, and St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church to share in payments. Through December 3, the LMEF extended a helping hand to 140 of our neighbors in need.
Partial funding for the LMEF comes from Grace’s Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving loose plate offerings. A donation to the LMEF can be made through your Christmas offering in the form of a check made out to Grace Episcopal Church with “Lanford MEF” noted on the memo line as well as online (select "Christmas Offering" under fund)
The Christian Outreach Committee sincerely thanks everyone who contributed to the LMEF through their Thanksgiving offerings. Your continued, generous support for this long-time Grace Episcopal ministry is greatly appreciated!
Journey to Bethlehem: No Room at the Inn
Mary and Joseph are spending the night at our parishioners' houses again this year. We would love it if you would take a picture of your family with Mary and Joseph and send it to Martha Burford, who will post your pictures on Facebook. After Mary and Joseph have spent the night, you will need to make arrangements to pass them on to the next family. The last family (Dec. 23rd) are asked to bring Mary and Joseph to the 5:00 pm Christmas Eve service where Baby Jesus will be waiting for them. If you would like to host Mary & Joseph, please email Michael.
Youth at Convention
Get ready for our biggest event of the year with youth from across Southwestern Virginia. Registration is open for Youth@Convention 2025! All middle and high school youth are invited to join us for a weekend of live music, small groups, and youth centered worship. We are excited to announce that our service project will be making beds with Sleep in Heavenly Peace. January 24–26, 2025 | St. John's Roanoke. Registration deadline is Wednesday, Jan. 15. We can't wait to see you!
Poinsettias for Christmas
In celebration of the nativity of our Lord, we make our church festive with poinsettias and greenery. To purchase a poinsettia ($12.00), make your check payable to Grace Episcopal Church, memo “Flower Fund,” and drop it in the offering plate or mail it to the Parish Office. To list a memorial or thanksgiving in the Christmas bulletins, call the Parish Office or email Lisa by Wednesday, December 18.
Chrismon Tree
Last Sunday, the Chrismon tree was set up for the first Sunday of Advent. On December 8th, the second Sunday of Advent, white lights will be added to the tree. Then on the third Sunday of Advent, December 15th, as members arrive at church, they will be invited to hang Chrismon ornaments on the tree. These ornaments were made last year by some of our very creative parishioners.
The Winter Star Intergenerational Mini Musical
Join us for this beautiful "mini-musical" telling of the Christmas Story. Dr. Mackenzie Romriell and Martha Jones Burford will lead all ages of shepherds, magi, angels, sheep, and others in this beautiful, easy to learn, story of the star over the manger as it calls the world to the Love Incarnate, the Christ Child. The three Saturday rehearsals will involve singing, movement, and art making (creating costumes, the set, and props). The production will take place as the Pageant during Grace Episcopal Church's 5pm Christmas Eve service. Participants must sign up so we know whom to expect.
For information contact Martha.
Be a Santa to a Senior
The Be a Santa to a Senior program makes the holidays a little brighter for local older adults who may not receive other gifts this year. Community service organizations, social workers, and nursing facilities identify seniors who are financially in-need, homebound, disabled, or socially isolated. A personalized wish list is created for each older adult. The requests are usually for simple items such as warm socks, lap blankets, or new pajamas. We also receive more unique requests for items like art supplies, a harmonica, a special cologne, a Christmas sweater for a dog, or a VCR. Generous people in our community adopt the wish lists and purchase the items. They fulfill the wish lists with so much care and effort. Some families make it an annual tradition to go shopping for their seniors. As an added touch, the presents are delivered to the recipients in festive gift bags that have been hand-decorated by art students at Lexington City Schools. Older adults are often overlooked during the busy holiday season. Be a Santa to a Senior is an opportunity for individuals, organizations, and businesses to make a difference right here in the Rockbridge community.
For more information, contact Melissa Sayre.
ACTS Call for Members
What is Grace Actively Caring Through Sharing (ACTS)?
How can I be a part of it?
Grace ACTS is an important ministry to the parishioners and the community of our church. Our four teams consist of over 20 people or family units that volunteer for the Grace ACTS ministry. Each team has about 6 members and is on duty every 4 weeks. Grace ACTS members select two or more needs from the list when their team is on duty. Team members pray for, call, visit or send a card to those on the list that are ill, have had a death in their family or are celebrating a new baby or a birthday. Please continue to pray for this vital ministry to our parish. If you have a pastoral concern or know of someone who does please contact Fr. Tuck, Melissa Cox or the Parish Office. If you would like to serve on a team, please contact Melissa.
Lexington Presbyterian Music Event
Thursday, December 19
12 noon at Lexington Presbyterian Church
MUSIC AT NOON
Scott Williamson, tenor
William McCorkle, keyboard
Music for Advent and Christmas
Year-End Capital Giving
Friendly update and reminder: In addition to our seasonal stewardship campaign to fund operating expenses of the Parish, Parish Hall improvements will soon be upon us! Grace has established this year a designated capital improvements account as part of funding preparations. If you have achieved the age where you are taking required minimum distributions (RMD’s) from your IRA, and are inspired by generous returns from the stock markets this year, you are reminded that you may make qualified charitable distributions (QCD’s) from your IRA over and above your RMD (up to $100,000) to the church and this capital account, which will not be taxed as ordinary income! Of course, please consult your financial advisor for details.
Walk in Love Stewardship Campaign
This Sunday we are handing out pledge cards. Monday we will mail cards to parishioners who were not at church. Thank you to everyone who has already pledged to the Walk in Love pledge campaign to fund the 2025 operating budget of Grace Episcopal Church. Every pledge helps us with our planning for the year to come. We will list the names of those who have made a pledge every week, as well as the total pledged to date in the Parish News Life with Grace. Our goal is between 120-130 pledges totaling $540,000. To date we have received pledges from 115 households totaling $529,884.
Thanks to our contributing households thus far!
Pam & Jim Adams
Lori Apgar
John & Cecilia Arpin
Doug Ayer
Anne Blanken
Laurent & Elizabeth Boetsch
Peter Bowerfind
Tucker & Delea Bowerfind
Jane Brooke
Madison & Katharine Brown
Ruth Brunner
Martha Ann Burford
Bettie Cadden
Betsy & Buddy Carter
David & Marjorie Connolly
Virginia Cooke
R. David & Melissa Cox
Ed & Marlys Craun
Jay & Joan Crawford
Roger & Anna Crockett
Dennis & Susan Cross
Susan Denson
Lynn & Carol Dent
Barton & Gail Dick
John & Gail Dickerson
Punky Dod
Langston & Page Donkle
Ed & Lu Dooley
Jonathan Eastwood & Maria Nava
Will & Cary Edgar
Don & Claudia Ellis
Carole Elmore
Matthew Fogo & Kevin Manning
Patrick France
Tim & Catharine Gaylard
Keith & Pat Gibson
Rene' Glidden
Rose Gordon
Tom & Carol Gosse
Julianne Grimes
David & Anne F Grizzle
Peter & Julia Grover
Margaret Haberman
Woody & Becky Hall
David & Anne Hansen
Sandy & Catherine Harcus
Elizabeth Harralson
Diana Harris
Winifred Hart
Helen Head
Jack & Anne Hershbell
Drew & Megan Hess
Harold & Kathryn Hill
Kay Horner
Judy Hotchkiss
David & Chris Howison
Benjamin & Laurie Huger
Patrick & Phyllis Hugg
Gini Jardim
James & Darlene Keane
Diana Kenney
Deborah & Bill Klein
John & Beth Knapp
Helen Kostel
Bill & Kathy Kozak
Sharon & Frederick Kurtz
Greg & Janet Lemmer
Buster & Signe Lewis
Mo & Julia Littlefield
Jeff & Meg Mason
M.J. Mayerchak
William McCorkle
Pat & Lisa McGuire
Jo McMurtry
Susan Mead
John & Drusie Milford
Su Minor
Joseph & Abby Moles
Helen Moore
Liz Moss
Grigg & Cindy Mullen
Ann & Jerry Nay
Elaine Nelson
Mark Nelson
David O'Connor & Linda Merrick
David & Nan Partlett
David & Jeanne Passmore
George & Eleanor Penn
Michael Perry
Shay Peters
Henry Porter
Tim & Mary Price
Colin Reid
Steve & Peggy Riethmiller
Joanne & Paul Robblee
Cynthia Robertson
Martha & Don Robey
Woody & Lori Sadler
Nanalou Sauder
Bill Sayre & Melissa Gladwell-Sayre
Judy Schram
Frank Settle, Jr. & Cecile West-Settle
Sue & Steve Shultis
Ham & AP Smith
Jimbo & Ruth Smith
Sarah Stockton
Paul Strickland
Lisa Tracy
Spencer & Beverly Tucker
David Wade
Harry & Marnie Wheeler
Kent & Mary Wilson
Michael & Beverly Wirtz
Connor Wolfe
Christina Young
Pledge something. You are a valuable member of the body of Christ. Most of your contribution to Christ's work is through the works of love you do for others every day in your work and personal life. You also share in the responsibility for maintaining and operating our facilities and ministries. Some members give $1/week, some give $400/week. Some give nothing. Whatever you commit and fulfill will be gratefully received and faithfully used for God's mission through Grace. Whether you give something or not, you are a beloved member of the parish and the body of Christ.
Consider pledging proportionally. As your income or net worth change, continue to give proportionally. For example - you can base your giving on a proportion of your gross annual income. Or if you have a positive net worth, you might consider basing your giving on a proportion of your net worth.
Consider tithing your income or net worth. Traditionally, tithing is ten percent of gross household income. Muslims have a different standard that you might consider. They give 2.4% of their gross positive net worth. If they have zero or negative net worth, they are not expected to give anything except time and talent.
Advent Meditations
This Advent season, you are invited to join our Diocesan Advent Meditations, a three week online series offered live on Zoom Monday nights in Advent at 7:00 p.m. Join us for this series to slow down, take time for silence and contemplation as we experience this special season.
Angel Tree is Here!
Angel Tree 2024 is virtual! Grace has chosen to sponsor 50 children.
Will you help connect children with their incarcerated parents and show them the love of Christ? It starts with a simple Christmas gift. To sponsor a child go to Grace’s Angel Tree site and select the child you would like to sponsor.
Virtual sponsorships will be available through Christmas. A Wal-Mart gift card in the amount of $30.00 will be sent to each individual child. You may choose one child or multiple children. Once you select a child, if they have siblings, you will be asked if you would like to sponsor their siblings. This is not required. If you choose to do so, all siblings will be in your “check out cart.” You can reduce the number of children once you proceed to your checkout cart. You will also be given the option to sponsor the caregiver and have a gift card sent to them. This is not required. You may pay by credit, debit and ACH. Note: In addition to showing the love of Jesus, your gift is tax deductible this year! You will receive a donation receipt upon virtual checkout.
Questions? Contact Sharon Kurtz at 828-424-3434, call or text.
Thank you for participating in this ministry to strengthen relationships between incarcerated parents and their children.
Shop for a Child Affected by Hurricane Helene
Unity for Kids, Inc. Get the real Christmas spirit by shopping for a child affected by Hurricane Helene in Morganton, NC. Call Tammy Reid (RARA Board Member) 540-784-2659 and she help you pick out a child to shop for. Be sure you complete your purchases and be in touch with Tammy by December 7.
Holiday Church Open House
Friday, December 20 4–6 p.m. During the Open House at Grace, visitors are invited to see Nativity sets shared by our members. Martha Burford will play carols and invite all manner of fa-la-la singing, and candy canes will be offered! We look forward to visitors!
Greeter Team and Usher Team at Grace
Greeters take turns welcoming worshipers as they enter the churchyard to attend the service. They identify visiting guests, visitors, new members and extend a warm greeting. Greeter schedules are flexible to work with your availability. A great way to meet others at Grace. Contact Cecile West-Settle at West-SettleC@wlu.edu, 540-570-3256.
Ushers help the service run smoothly by welcoming worshipers to the service and assisting them as needed. They distribute the service bulletin and help with the offering collection, communion and more. Schedules are flexible to work with your availability. Email or call Lisa McGuire at 540-463-4981.
Training provided, many benefits! Join TODAY
Paws to Connect
Thanks for a great semester of Paws to Connect! We'll see you after break!
Prayer List
Please pray for the wider Church and intercessions requested by our Congregants: Pray for Presiding Bishop The Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe. Pray for Diocese of Southwestern Virginia, and our Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Mark Bourlakas. Pray today for the Bishop’s Visitation to St. Paul’s, Salem. Pray for the people of St. Peter’s, Altavista. Pray for Brendon, Timmy, John Perry, Glen Jones, Jack Hershbell, Laura Stearns, Lynda deMaria, Polly Lawrence, Betty Cadden, Jeff Mason, Joe Irby, Kent Wilson, Diana Kenney, Jerry & Ann Nay, Paula Cooper, Ned Henneman, Barbara Bova, Sharon Humphreys, Nancy Mastin, Elizabeth Klein, Cullen Bahr (friend of Drusie Milford), Mary Etta Randolph, Carl & Rachel Pattison, Grace, Sue Hill, Frances Harcus, Palmer Stickley and his family, Mercedes Aravena-Echaurren, Patricia Williams, Justin, Rodrigo, Wes O’Dell and family, Peggy DePasquale, Nick Penn, Danny Anson (friend of Pat & Keith Gibson), Bill Cannon, Sandy Harcus, Rebecca Robblee (daughter-in-law of Joanne & Paul Robblee), Tom Strickland, Virginia Poston (sister of Betsy Carter), Dot Fogo, Roger Baroody, Henry Porter, Buster Lewis,and those we name aloud or in our hearts. Pray for the people of Israel, Gaza, Sudan, Haiti, Ukraine, and pray for cessation of violence, and for reconciliation, and peace. Pray for those who have died, Dr. William Barton Dick.
In Thanksgiving for December Birthdays
12/13 M.J. Mayerchak, Anne Lamont
12/16 James R. Keane, Kay Glore
12/18 Robert Hull
12/19 Roger Crockett, Merce Brooke
12/23 Carol Gosse, Julianne Grimes, Betsy Carter
12/24 Jordan Kach
12/25 Harrison Edgar
12/27 Joy Harris
12/30 Maggie Lawrence, Willow Moles, Buddy Carter
12/31 Grace Frascati
We're so glad you're here! If you or someone you know is new to Grace and would like more information about Parish life, follow the link below.
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